Automatic telephone service forwarding device

ABSTRACT

An automatic telephone service forwarding device including a base or enclosure defining a socket for receiving a wireless telephone. Upon detecting the presence of the wireless telephone in the socket, the device automatically forwards telephone service for the wireless telephone to a previously-stored forwarding directory number, typically the directory number of a wireline unit located nearby. Alternatively, the automatic telephone service forwarding device may be incorporated directly into a wireless telephone. In this case, the wireless telephone includes a “forward” button and a scrollable list of forwarding telephone numbers. The automatic telephone service forwarding device may also be configured to automatically select certain forwarding directory numbers from the list in accordance with a predefined time-based profile. The automatic telephone service forwarding device may forward the telephone service by causing the wireless telephone to transmit a forwarding message to a telephone redirection device on an overhead data channel associated with a wireless communications network. Alternatively, the automatic telephone service forwarding device may forward the telephone service by placing a telephone call to the call redirection device. The call redirection device may include automatic call redirection equipment that is configured to enter forwarding instructions into a home location register for the wireless telephone by emulating a visitor location register in which the wireless telephone is attempting to register for roaming service.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.10/376,380 filed Feb. 28, 2003 now U.S. Pat. No. 7,120,426, the contentsof which are incorporated by reference herein in their entirety, whichis a divisional of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/267,727 filedMar. 15, 1999, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,738,616, the contents of which areincorporated by reference herein in their entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention generally relates to telecommunication service and, moreparticularly, to a device that automatically forwards telephone serviceupon detecting a triggering event, such as receipt of a wirelesstelephone within a socket defined by the device.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

In recent years, telephone networks have been installed throughout mostof the industrialized world. Initially, this telecommunicationinfrastructure was implemented through a land-based or landline systemknown as the public switched telephone network (PSTN). The landline PSTNtransmits telephone calls over land-based lines, such as copper wiresand fiber optic cables. Communication devices that operate in thelandline PSTN, such as telephones and other devices that have telephoneequipment within them, are typically referred to as landline or wirelineunits or telephones.

More recently, a wireless telecommunications infrastructure has beeninstalled in addition to the previously existing landline PSTN. Althoughthese two systems are functionally integrated, there remain someimportant distinctions. First, wireline units typically remainstationary because they are tied to land-based telephone lines. Wirelessunits, on the other hand, typically travel from place to place with theowner. For example, many wireless units are configured for installationin automobiles and others are configured to be carried on one's person.Second, wireline telephone service has not traditionally includedtime-based charges for many services, whereas wireless telephone servicehas typically involved time-based or “air time” charges for virtuallyall uses of the wireless telephone.

Specifically, landline telephone service has not traditionally involvedtime-based charges for received telephone calls. In additional, locallandline telephone service has traditionally been provided on aflat-rate basis, which avoids time-based charges for local originatedtelephone calls. The result of these landline billing policies is thatonly originated long-distance telephone calls have traditionallyinvolved time-based charges in the landline PSTN; local telephone callsand received long distance calls have not traditionally involvedtime-based charges. Wireless telephone service, on the other hand, hastypically involved time-based or “air-time” charges for virtually alluses of the wireless telephone. This usually means that receiving atelephone call on one's wireless unit is a more expensive option thanreceiving the same telephone call on a wireline unit.

The practical result of these differences in wireline and wirelessbilling practices has been to encourage many people to receive telephonecalls on wireline units whenever possible, and to use their wirelessunits only when landline service is unavailable. For example, to saveair-time charges, some subscribers may ask calling parties to call themfirst at a landline telephone number, and if they don't answer, thenthem try them at a wireless telephone number. In addition, if a wirelesstelephone call is received while the called party is near a landlinetelephone, the called party may ask the calling party to hang up and acall back on the landline telephone.

Many telephone service subscribers find these practices cumbersomebecause calling parties must know multiple telephone numbers forreaching the subscriber. In response, telephone service providers haveoffered “personal number” or “one number” telephone services, whichallow calling parties to dial a single telephone number to reach asubscriber on a predefined set of wireline and/or wireless telephones.To implement this service, the telephone service provider takes controlover all telephone calls directed to the subscriber's “one number,” andrings the calls on the various telephones in a predefined order. Thatorder may vary based on the time of day, day of week, and other factors,such as whether a particular wireless unit is powered on, whether aparticular wireless unit is present in a particular location, whether aparticular wireless unit has been placed in its battery charger, and soforth. For example, the subscriber may instruct the service provider toring an incoming telephone call first on the subscriber's wireline, andif that unit is not answered, to ring the call on the subscriber'swireless unit.

While this type of “one number” service is effective at reducingair-time charges, it has a number of drawbacks. First, the serviceprovider must be given advance notice of all of the directory numbersfor trying to reach a particular subscriber. Although the subscriber maygive the service provider several wireline directory numbers where thesubscriber is frequently located, such as home and work, the “onenumber” service will not be able to reach the subscriber on wirelineunits at other locations that the subscriber visits less frequently.Second, calling parties often experience delays while the serviceprovider rings at a first location, then at a second location, an soforth. Third, taking control over incoming telephone calls occupiestelecommunication resources and, as a result, “one number” servicetypically involves a premium charge.

To overcome these disadvantages, telephone service providers may offersimplified telephone call forwarding. For example, some wirelesstelephone service plans allow a subscriber to easily forward telephoneservice using a predefined code, such as “*71+ forwarding number.” Theforwarded wireless service can later be unforwarded using anotherpredefined code, such as “*72.” This allows the subscriber to quicklyforward incoming wireless telephone calls to a wireline unit while thesubscriber is located near the wireline unit. When the subscriber leavesthe area, he or she can quickly unforward the wireless telephoneservice.

Although this type of simplified call forwarding service has certainadvantages, many wireless subscribers fail to use it effectively. Inmany cases, the subscribers simply fail to take the time to learn theforwarding and unforwarding codes. In other instances, subscribers mayforget to enter the required forwarding code. And in other situations,it may be inconvenient for the subscriber to ask for or look up thetelephone number of a wireline unit where the subscriber is temporarilylocated. That is, many people won't go to the trouble of forwardingtheir wireless telephone service if they have to look up or ask for theforwarding number. As a result, even simplified forwarding services areused most often with wireline directory numbers that the wirelesssubscriber has memorized.

Accordingly, there is a need for even more convenient ways totemporarily forward wireless telephone service. In particular, there isa need for convenient ways to forward wireless telephone service towireline units in locations that the wireless subscriber visitsinfrequently.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention meets needs described above in an automatictelephone service forwarding device. For example, the device may includea base or enclosure defining a socket into which a subscriber may inserta wireless telephone. Upon detecting the presence of the wirelesstelephone in the socket, the device automatically forwards telephoneservice for the wireless telephone to a previously stored forwardingdirectory number, typically the directory number of a wireline unitlocated nearby. Thus, simply placing the wireless unit in the deviceautomatically forwards telephone calls directed to the wireless unit tothe nearby wireline unit. The wireless service remains forwarded untilthe wireless unit is subsequently powered on, which automaticallyunforwards the telephone service.

To illustrate use of the automatic telephone service forwarding device,a homeowner may obtain one of these devices, program it with thewireline directory number for the home, and place it in a convenientlocation where people entering the home will see it. Someone enteringthe home, such as a grown child paying a visit, can place his or herwireless telephone in the device during the visit. This willautomatically forward the child's wireless telephone service to the homewireline directory number. When the visit it over, the child simplypicks up his or her wireless unit and powers it on to unforward thetelephone service.

The advantage of the automatic telephone service forwarding device is tomake forwarding one's wireless telephone (or another type of telephonedevice) practically effortless. The wireless subscriber does not have toremember to enter a predefined forwarding code; he or she just placesthe wireless unit in the automatic telephone service forwarding device.This advantage is even more apparent when the subscriber is visiting aninfrequently visited location. In this context, having an automatictelephone service forwarding device available avoids having to ask foror look up the nearby wireline directory number in order to forward thewireless telephone service to that directory number.

The invention may also be incorporated directly into a wirelesstelephone, rather than in a separate device. In this case, the inventionincludes a “forward” button and a scrollable list of forwardingtelephone numbers. To reduce the need to frequently scroll to look fordesired forwarding directory numbers, the wireless unit may beprogrammed to automatically select forwarding telephone numbers from thelist based on the time of day, day of the week, and other factors. Theseautomatically selected forwarding directory numbers are made current orfocused for immediate selection by pressing the “forward” button.Although this approach for implementing the invention requires a certainamount of user manipulation, it does simplify the forwarding process byproviding a “forward” button and allowing the subscriber to program thewireless unit with a large number of potential forwarding numbers. Inparticular, the number of scrollable forwarding numbers stored in thewireless unit may be substantially larger than the number of directorynumbers accessed through traditional “one number” telephone service. Theprogrammable profile for automatically changing the current or focuseddirectory number also facilitates use of this alternative.

Generally described, the invention provides an automatic telephoneservice forwarding device. This device receives a forwarding directorynumber and a device directory number associated with a telephone device.The automatic telephone service forwarding device then detects atriggering event and, in response, automatically transmits a messageinstructing a telephone redirection device to forward telephone callsplaced to the device directory number to the forwarding directorynumber.

The automatic telephone service forwarding device may receive theforwarding directory number by receiving a programming telephone devicewithin a socket defined by the automatic telephone service forwardingdevice. The programming telephone device includes a data port thatbecomes in communication with a data port of the automatic telephoneservice forwarding device when the programming telephone device isreceived within the socket. In addition, the automatic telephone serviceforwarding device receives the forwarding directory number from theprogramming telephone device through communications over the data ports.For example, the programming telephone device may be a wirelesstelephone, and the data port of wireless telephone may be a touch-pindata contact. In this case, the data port of the automatic telephoneservice forwarding device may be a touch-pin data contact positioned tofunctionally connect with the data contact of the wireless telephonewhen the wireless telephone is received within the socket.

The automatic telephone service forwarding device may detect atriggering event by receiving the telephone device within the socket anddetecting that the data port of the telephone device has become incommunication with the data port of the automatic telephone serviceforwarding device. Similarly, the automatic telephone service forwardingdevice may receive the device directory number by receiving thetelephone device within the socket, detecting that the data port of thetelephone device has become in communication with the data port of theautomatic telephone service forwarding device, and automatically readingthe device directory number from the telephone device throughcommunication between the data ports.

The automatic telephone service forwarding device may transmit themessage instructing the telephone redirection device to forwardtelephone calls placed to the device directory number to the forwardingdirectory number by causing the telephone device to transmit aforwarding message to the telephone redirection device on an overheaddata channel associated with a wireless communications network. In thiscase, the forwarding message includes the device directory number, theforwarding directory number, and an instruction indicating that thetelephone calls placed to the device directory number are to beforwarded to the forwarding directory number. In addition, the telephoneredirection device may be a home or visitor's location register in whichthe telephone device is registered for telephone service.

Alternatively, the automatic telephone service forwarding device maytransmit the message instructing the telephone redirection device toforward telephone calls placed to the device directory number to theforwarding directory number by placing a telephone call to another typeof telephone call redirection device. In this case, the automatictelephone service forwarding device transmits the device directorynumber, the forwarding directory number, and an instruction indicatingthat the telephone calls placed to the device directory number are to beforwarded to the forwarding directory number during the telephone call.

In addition, the telephone redirection device may include automatic callredirection equipment that receives the forwarding directory number andenters a flag into a home location register for the wireless unitindicating that an associated home mobile switching office is to requestrouting instructions from the automatic call redirection equipment forany telephone call subsequently received for the wireless unit. Theautomatic call redirection equipment typically implements this featureby emulating a visitor's location register. The automatic telephoneservice forwarding device typically communicates with the automatic callredirection equipment by addressing a Short Messaging Service (SMS)message to the automatic call redirection equipment. Alternatively, theautomatic telephone service forwarding device may communicate with theautomatic call redirection equipment by placing a telephone call to theautomatic call redirection equipment.

According to another aspect of the invention, the automatic telephoneservice forwarding device may be integrated into a wireless telephone.In this alternative, the automatic telephone service forwarding devicereceives the forwarding directory number through keystrokes or voicecommands entered into the wireless telephone. In similar fashion, thetriggering event may be a keystroke or voice command entered into thewireless telephone. Specifically, the automatic telephone serviceforwarding device may include a scrollable list of potential forwardingdirectory numbers programmable into the wireless telephone throughkeystrokes or voice commands entered into the wireless telephone. Theautomatic telephone service forwarding device may also include a“forward” button for receiving a command instructing the wirelesstelephone to automatically transmit the message instructing thetelephone redirection device to forward telephone calls placed to thedevice directory number to a potential forwarding directory numberselected from the scrollable list. The automatic telephone serviceforwarding device may also be configured to automatically select certainpotential forwarding directory numbers in accordance with a predefinedtime-based profile.

The invention also provides a method for automatically forwardingtelephone service. This method includes providing an automatic telephoneservice forwarding device with a forwarding directory number. The devicethen detects that a data port of the device has become in communicationwith a data port of a telephone device. In response, the automatictelephone service forwarding device automatically transmits a messageinstructing a telephone redirection device to forward telephone callsplaced to the telephone device's directory number to the forwardingdirectory number.

The telephone redirection device later detects that the telephone devicehas entered a reactivated condition. In response, the telephoneredirection device unforwards the telephone service for the telephonedevice. In particular, the telephone redirection device may detect thatthe telephone device has entered a reactivated condition by receiving anautonomous registration or call origination message from the telephonedevice. Alternatively, the telephone redirection device may detect thatthe telephone device has entered a reactivated condition by receiving apredefined unforward message from the telephone device.

That the present invention improves over the drawbacks of the prior artand how it achieves the advantages described above will become apparentfrom the following detailed description of exemplary embodiments and theappended claims and drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIGS. 1A and 1B illustrate embodiments of the present invention having abase defining a socket configured for receiving a wireless telephone.

FIG. 2 illustrates the functional connection between the socket andwireless telephone illustrated in FIGS. 1A and 1B.

FIG. 3 illustrates the operation of an automatic telephone serviceforwarding device utilizing a Short Messaging Service to transmittelephone service forwarding instructions to a home Mobile TelephoneSwitching Office.

FIG. 4 illustrates the operation of an automatic telephone serviceforwarding device utilizing a modem to place a telephone call totransmit telephone service forwarding instructions to a home MobileTelephone Switching Office.

FIG. 5 illustrates the operation of an automatic telephone serviceforwarding device in connection with a roaming wireless unit.

FIG. 6 is a logic flow diagram illustrating a method for programming anautomatic telephone service forwarding device with a forwardingdirectory number.

FIG. 7 is a logic flow diagram illustrating a method implemented by anautomatic telephone service forwarding device to automatically forwardtelephone service.

FIG. 8 is a continuation of the logic flow diagram illustrated in FIG.7.

FIG. 9 illustrates a data structure containing a scrollable list offorwarding directory numbers for an automatic telephone serviceforwarding device incorporated into a wireless telephone.

FIG. 10 is logic flow diagram illustrating a method implemented by atelephone network to support forwarding telephone service in accordancewith an embodiment of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

The present invention may be embodied in an automatic telephone serviceforwarding device (ATF device) that is operable for automaticallyforwarding telephone service for a telephone device, such as a wirelessunit, upon detecting a triggering event. In particular, the ATF devicemay automatically forward telephone service for a wireless unit to anearby wireline unit upon detecting receipt of the wireless unit in asocket defined by the ATF device. For example, the device may beembodied in a stand-alone, unpowered ATF device including a base orenclosure defining a socket configured to receive a wireless unit. Upondetecting the presence of a wireless unit in the socket, the ATF deviceautomatically forwards telephone service for the wireless unit to aforwarding directory number that was previously programmed into the ATFdevice, such as the directory number for a nearby wireline telephone. Inthis unpowered configuration, the ATF device draws power from thewireless unit, and automatically activates when the wireless unit isplaced in the socket.

Once the ATF device successfully transmits telephone service redirectioninstructions to forward telephone service for the wireless unit, the ATFdevice causes the wireless unit to power down to conserve its batteryand to prevent the wireless unit from transmitting a subsequentautonomous registration message that might cause the host telephonenetwork to unforward the telephone service for the wireless unit. Whenthe wireless unit again powers up, the wireless unit transmits anautonomous registration or call origination message, which the hosttelephone network interprets as an unforward command. In response, thehost telephone network automatically unforwards telephone service forthe wireless unit.

In other words, the host telephone network may automatically interpret asubsequent autonomous registration or call origination messagetransmitted by the wireless unit as an unforwarding command.Alternatively, the wireless unit may be configured to automaticallytransmit an unforwarding command upon powering up. As anotheralternative, a self-contained ATF device may be configured to transmitan unforwarding command upon detecting removal of the wireless unit fromthe socket, although this alternative may require a separate powersource for the ATF device. Other alternatives for signaling the hosttelephone system to unforward telephone service for the wireless unitwill be apparent to those skilled in the art (e.g., including an“unforward” button on the wireless unit, or including an “unforward”button on the self-contained ATF device, and so forth).

The stand-alone, unpowered ATF device described above may be deployed ina number of configurations, such as a premises-type configuration inwhich the wireless unit stands up in the socket. Alternatively, in anautomobile-type configuration, the wireless unit may lie on its side orback in the socket. In other configurations, the socket may be replacedby a wired jack that inserts into a terminal on the wireless unit, orthe socket may be replaced by a wireless data link, such as an infra-redor radio-frequency link, and so forth. For example, an infra-red orradio-frequency link may provide a universal link to a variety ofwireless units with differing case configurations, whereas a socket-typeconfiguration may be suitable for only a subset of wireless units withsimilar case configurations and data contact positions. For this reason,a socket-type configuration may include an auxiliary wired jack forcommunicating with wireless units having dissimilar case configurationsor data contact positions.

Although the invention may be embodied in a stand-alone, unpowered ATFdevice as described above, the ATF device may also be embodied in otherconfigurations. For example, the ATF device may be incorporated into abattery charging base station for the wireless unit. Alternatively, theATF device may be built into a home-based communication center, or builtinto another device such as a personal computer. In addition, the ATFdevice may be incorporated into the wireless telephone itself. In thiscase, the ATF device typically includes a “forward” button and ascrollable list of the forwarding directory numbers that may beprogrammed into the wireless telephone. The automatic telephone serviceforwarding device may also include a programmable data structure thatallows the device to be configured to automatically select certainpotential forwarding directory numbers in accordance with a predefinedtime-based profile.

In various embodiments, the ATF device may be configured to operate withwireless telephones, pagers and other types of telephone devices, suchas computers or other devices containing telephone equipment. Inaddition, the ATF device may be configured to operate with wirelessunits that are located in their home areas or when roaming, and may beconfigured to operate in local number portability (LNP) enabled andnon-enabled networks. Those skilled in the art will also appreciate thatthe present invention could be configured to forward messages other thantelephone calls and paging communications, such as e-mail and othertypes of addressed messages that use the telephone infrastructure as acommunication medium. Thus, the ATF device may be used to forwardmessages directed to a wide variety of devices that include telephoneequipment (referred to collectively as “telephone devices”), such aswireless telephones, pagers, and various types of computers configuredto receive telephone calls, paging messages, e-mail, and the like.

The base of the ATF device may also be configured with multiple socketsfor receiving multiple telephone device. For example, a conferenceroom-type configuration may include eight slots for receiving eightwireless units while a meeting is in progress. In this manner, telephonecalls directed to up to eight of the meeting participants may beforwarded to a landline telephone attended by a receptionist. For thisconfiguration, each socket of the ATF device includes a data port thatcomes into communication with a data port on a wireless unit when thewireless unit is placed in the socket. As in a single-unitconfiguration, each data port in a multi-unit configuration may be atouch-pin connector positioned to come into contact with a touch-pinconnector on the wireless unit when the wireless unit is placed in thesocket. Alternatively, the data port may be a male/female jack, aninfra-red link, a radio-frequency communication link, or another type ofsuitable data port.

The ATF device may typically be programmed with a forwarding directorynumber by placing a wireless unit in the socket and programming the ATFdevice by entering keystroke commands or voice commands into thewireless unit. That is, a wireless unit placed in the socket may be usedto program the ATF device using a predefined command syntax that the ATFdevice is configured to respond to. Alternatively, the ATF device itselfmay include a keypad, voice recognition equipment, a data jack forconnecting to a personal computer, or some other type of programmingdevice that does not rely on a wireless unit. For example, the ATFdevice may include a telephone-style keypad for entering data into theATF device, a display device for displaying a selected forwardingdirectory number, and a memory for storing a scrollable list ofselectable forwarding directory numbers. This alternative may require aseparate power source for the ATF to enable the programming equipment tooperate when a wireless unit is not located in the socket of the ATFdevice. This option may be preferred for some users, however, because itdoes not require a wireless unit to program the ATF device.

The ATF device typically transmits telephone service forwardinginstructions by way of a wireless unit placed in the socket. Forexample, the ATF device may cause a wireless unit placed in the socketto transmit a Short Messaging Service (SMS) message addressed to anautomatic call redirection equipment (ACRE) platform on the overheaddata channel normally used by the wireless unit. The ACRE platform thenimplements the forwarding function by emulating a Visitor LocationRegister (VLR) for an MTSO where the wireless unit is registering forroaming service. This alternative may be suitable for use with certaindigital wireless units, such as IS-136 digital wireless telephones.Alternatively, the ATF device may cause the wireless unit to place atelephone call to a predefined directory number assigned to the ACREplatform that is configured to receive telephone service redirectioninstructions. For this alternative, the ACRE platform also implementsthe forwarding function by emulating a VLR for an MTSO where thewireless unit is registering for roaming service. This alternative maybe suitable for analog cellular telephones and with certain digitalwireless units, such as IS-136 digital wireless telephones.

In addition to the alternatives described above, the ATF device itselfmay include paging and/or telephone equipment, and it may be configuredto transmit telephone service redirection instructions without use ofthe wireless unit. For example, the ATF device may include SMS circuitrysimilar to that in an IS-136 digital wireless telephone. Alternatively,the ATF device may include a modem and automatic dialing circuitryconfigured to place a telephone service redirection telephone call tothe ACRE. This option may be preferred in some situations because itavoids the need for circuitry in the ATF device capable of causing thewireless unit to transmit SMS messages or place telephone calls, whichmay be complicated or expensive to implement on a universal basis.

Those skilled in the art will recognize that the telephone system mayprovide a number of different methods for implementing telephone serviceforwarding in response to telephone service redirection instructionsreceived from the ATF device. For example, as another alternative to theprocedures described above in which an ACRE platform implements thetelephone service forwarding feature by emulating a VLR, the ATF devicemay cause the wireless unit (e.g., an IS-136 TDMA wireless telephone) toautomatically transmit an IS-136 message including predefined forwardingcode, such as “*71+ forwarding directory number.” For this alternative,the home MTSO is configured to recognize the forwarding code andimplement the forwarding function without participation by the ACREplatform or any other device. This approach may have a drawback,however, in that this type of “*71” forwarding typically requires manualunforwarding. The ACRE platform call forwarding calls are“automatically” unforwarded.

In addition, the Advanced Intelligent Network (AIN) operated by manytelephone service providers utilizes a signaling network known as “SS7”to implement a wide variety of telephone service functions. Through theSS7 signaling network, the forwarding directory number for a wirelessunit may be entered into any of a wide variety of telephone redirectiondevices in the AIN, such as the ACRE platform described above, a HomeLocation Register (HLR) maintained at the wireless unit's home MobileTelephone Switching Office (MTSO), an Visitor Location Register (VLR)maintained at an MTSO where the wireless unit is registered for service,a Local Number Portability Platform (LNPP), a land-based switchservicing the wireless unit's MTSO, a specialized “sniffer” platformconfigured to intercept and apply special handling to telephoneredirection instructions, or any other platform in the AIN (or anothertype of intelligent telephone network) that may be used to implementtelephone service forwarding. It should be understood, therefore, thatthe present invention is not limited to any particular method forimplementing telephone service forwarding once the telephone serviceredirection instructions have been transmitted to the host telephonesystem.

Referring now to the drawings, in which like numerals indicate likeelements throughout the several views, FIGS. 1A and 1B illustratealternative case configurations for the ATF device 100. FIG. 1Aillustrates an automobile-type case configuration, in which a wirelessunit 110 lies on its back in a socket 112 defined by the base 120 of theATF device. This lying-down case configuration is considered suitablefor a relatively unstable environment, such as an automobile, tominimize the likelihood of the wireless unit 110 accidentally fallingout of the socket 112.

The ATF device 100 in this configuration may be a stand-alone, unpowereddevice. When the wireless unit 110 is located in the socket 112, thewireless unit 110 may be used to enter a forwarding directory number 130into the ATF device 100. For example, the directory number of a wirelessunit mounted in the host vehicle would typically be the forwardingdirectory number 130 entered into this type of ATF device. When thewireless unit 110 is subsequently placed in the socket 112, the ATFdevice 100 automatically forwards telephone service for the wirelessunit 110 to the forwarding directory number 130. That is, the ATF device100 detects the presence of the wireless unit 110 in the socket 112 as atriggering event that causes the ATF device 100 to automatically forwardtelephone service for the wireless unit 110. To do so, the ATF device100 reads the device directory number from the wireless unit 110 andconstructs a Short Messaging System (SMS) forwarding message includingthe device directory number, the forwarding directory number, andtelephone service redirection instructions. The ATF device 100 thencauses the wireless unit 110 to transmit the SMS forwarding message to ahost Mobile Telephone Switching Office (MTSO) on the overhead datachannel implemented by the MTSO.

The ATF device 100 may be useful for a subscriber who has specializedtelephone equipment installed in his or her automobile, such as aheadset or hands-free microphone for use with an automobile-basedwireless unit. If this subscriber also has a pocket-type wireless unit110, the subscriber may prefer to receive all telephone calls whiledriving on the automobile-based unit. The ATF device 100 allows thesubscriber to automatically forward telephone calls directed to thepocket-type unit 110 to the automobile-based unit by simply placing thepocket-type unit 110 in the socket 112 of the ATF device 100.

FIG. 1B a premises-type ATF device 100′ that is similar to theautomobile-type ATF device 100, except that the case is different inthat the wireless unit 100 stands up in the socket 112. For thisstand-up alternative, the directory number of a wireline telephonelocated nearby would typically be the forwarding directory number 130entered into the ATF device 100′. Although this case configuration isconsidered more suitable in the highly stable environment of a home oroffice, either type of ATF device 100, 100′ could be placed in a home oroffice, or in a vehicle.

FIG. 2 illustrates the functional connection between the socket 112 andthe wireless telephone 110 illustrated in FIGS. 1A and 1B. Specifically,the wireless telephone 110 includes a touch-pin contact 210 that becomesfunctionally connected with a touch-pin contact 220 of the ATF device100 when the wireless telephone 110 is positioned in the socket 112 ofthe ATF device 100. As noted above, the ATF device 100 interprets thedetection of the touch-pin contact 220 becoming in communication withthe touch-pin contact 210 as a triggering event that causes the ATFdevice 100 to automatically implement call forwarding for the wirelesstelephone 110.

More specifically, upon contact the ATF device 100 retrieves theforwarding directory number 130 and reads the device directory numberfrom the wireless telephone 110. The ATF device 100 then constructs anSMS forwarding message including the device directory number, theforwarding directory number, and telephone service redirectioninstructions. The ATF device 100 then causes the wireless unit 110 totransmit the SMS forwarding message to the host MTSO on the overheaddata channel implemented by the host wireless network. The ATF device100 then causes the wireless unit 110 to power down.

To accommodate this functionality, the data contacts 210, 220 include atleast one universal bi-directional data contact that may be used foruploading and downloading information. For example, the contacts 210,220 may include two contacts for charging the battery within thewireless unit 110, and a third bi-directional data pin. This data pinuploads and downloads data, such as the forwarding number 130, thedevice directory number, and the SMS forwarding message between the ATFdevice 100 and the wireless unit 110.

The contacts 210 of the ATF device 100 functionally connect withcontacts 220 wireless unit 110 with a processor 230 located within theATF device 100. For example, the processor 230 may be a queries circuitwith components known in the industry, such as a microprocessormanufactured by Microchip Technology, Inc. sold under the tradedesignation PIC12c509, with an E2PROM also manufactured by MicrochipTechnology, Inc sold under the trade designation 24LC08. The manner inwhich the processor 230 operates is described below with reference toFIG. 7. The ATF device 100 also contains a memory storage device that isfunctionally connected to the processor 230. The memory storage devicestores the operating algorithm for the ATF device 100, and also storesthe forwarding directory number after completing the setup task, whichis described below with reference to FIG. 6.

FIG. 2 also illustrates an alternative embodiment, in which the ATFdevice 100 is incorporated into the wireless telephone 110. In thisembodiment, the wireless telephone 110 includes a “forward” button 250and a scrollable list of potential forwarding directory numbers storedin memory. In this embodiment, the triggering event is selection orpressing of the “forward” button 250, which causes the wirelesstelephone 110 to automatically forward service for the wireless unit toa forwarding directory number selected from the list. That is, the ATFdevice 100 is integrated into the wireless telephone 110, and thewireless telephone receives the forwarding directory number throughkeystrokes or voice commands entered into the wireless unit. Therefore,a stand-alone base 120 is not required for this alternative. Certainprogramming aspects of the operation of this alternative are describedbelow with reference to FIG. 9.

FIG. 3 illustrates the operation of an ATF device 100 utilizing an SMSmessage to transmit telephone service forwarding instructions to a homeMTSO 310. The home MTSO 310 works in concert with an ACRE platform 320that enters telephone call redirection instructions into the HLR 340 ofthe home MTSO 310 by emulating a VLR. In other words, the ACRE platform320 acts as if it is an MTSO in which the wireless unit 110 isregistered for roaming service. This allows the ACRE platform 320 to usethe roaming functionality of the wireless network to implement telephoneservice forwarding for the wireless unit 110.

Specifically, the ATF device 100 is preprogrammed with a forwardingdirectory number 130, such as the directory number assigned to a nearbywireline telephone 330. When the ATF device 100 detects the presence ofthe wireless unit 110 in the socket 112, the ATF device 100 causes thewireless unit 110 to transmit an SMS forwarding message on the overheaddata channel. This forwarding message includes the device directorynumber 131 read from the wireless unit 110, the forwarding directorynumber 130 retrieved from memory, and forwarding instructions addressedto the ACRE platform 320. The ACRE platform 320 typically maintains adatabase 352 in which it stores and correlates the device directorynumber 131 with the forwarding directory number 130. The MTSO 310initially receives the SMS forwarding message and relays it to the ACREplatform 320 in accordance with the address information placed in theSMS forwarding message by the ATF device 100.

The ACRE platform 320 may be a separate device as in conventionalconfigurations, or it may be integrated into an MTSO or HLR, or it maybe integrated into an SMS platform configured for implementing a numberof SMS-related services in response to SMS messages, as shown in FIG. 3.If the ACRE platform 320 is separate from the MTSO nearest to the ATFdevice 100, that MTSO initially receives the SMS forwarding message andsends it to the appropriate ACRE platform 320 in accordance with theaddress information included in the SMS message. In the alternativeillustrated in the FIG. 3, the MTSO nearest to the ATF platform 100 isthe home MTSO 310 for the wireless unit 110, which maintains a recordfor the wireless unit 110 in an associated HLR 340. The ACRE platform320, in turn, is configured to recognize the SMS forwarding message andimplement the telephone service redirection function.

To implement the telephone service redirection function, the ACREplatform 320 emulates a VLR by sending a registration message to thehome MTSO 310. This type of registration message is normally used by anMTSO attempting to register the wireless unit 110 for roaming service.The home MTSO 310 also sets a flag indicating that the ACRE platform 320should be consulted for routing instructions for each incoming telephonecall directed to the wireless unit 110, just as if the wireless unit 110had registered for roaming service. This flag, which remains set untilthe telephone service for the wireless unit 110 is subsequentlyunforwarded, instructs the MTSO 310 to consult with the ACRE platform320 for future telephone calls directed to the wireless unit 110. Thus,for each incoming telephone call directed to the wireless unit while theflag is set, the MTSO 310 sends a route request message to the ACREplatform 320. The ACRE platform responds with a route reply messagehaving the forwarding directory number 130 in the TLND field. This routereply message causes the MTSO 310 to route the incoming call to theforwarding directory number 130. This approach to implementing theforwarding function has the advantage of using the functionality alreadyenabled in the MTSO for roaming to implement the forwardingfunctionality. In addition, the ACRE platform 320 is also an existingdevice that can be easily modified to implement the functionalitydescribed above. When a call home comes in to the MTSO 310, the MTSO 310sends a route request message to the ACRE platform 320, as if the ACREplatform 320 is an MTSO. The ACRE platform 320 would normally respond tothe route request message with a route reply message assigning atemporary line directory number (TLDN) that the home MTSO 310 would thenuse to route an incoming telephone call to the MTSO where the wirelessunit 110 is roaming.

To implement the telephone service forwarding function for the wirelessunit 110, however, the ACRE platform 320 inserts the forwardingdirectory number 130 in the TLDN field of the route reply message. Whena call comes in, the home MTSO 310 therefore responds by forwarding thetelephone call to the directory number in the TLDN field of the routereply message, in this case the forwarding directory number 130.

FIG. 3 also illustrates a modification to the approach described above,in which the ACRE platform 320 is one of a group of services implementedby a SMS platform 350. In this alternative, the ACRE platform 320 alsoimplements call forwarding by emulating a VLR, and the home MTSO 310actually performs the telephone call redirection function for incomingtelephone calls by asking the ACRE platform 320 for routing instructionsas if the ACRE platform 320 is an MTSO with which the wireless unit 100is registered for roaming service. Alternatively, in an LNP-enablednetwork, the ACRE platform 320 may enter the redirection instructionsinto an LNPP database. The ACRE platform 320 may also be configured totransmit the redirection instructions to any other device in thetelephone network that is configured to perform the telephone serviceredirection function.

FIG. 4 illustrates an alternative that is similar to that described withreference to FIG. 3, except that the ATF device 100 communicates theforwarding message to the ACRE platform 320 by placing a telephone callrather than transmitting an SMS message. In this alternative, theself-contained ATF device 100 includes a modem 410 and telephone dialingcircuitry that enables the ATF device to place a telephone call to theACRE platform 320. Again, the ACRE platform 320 implements callforwarding by emulating a VLR, and the home MTSO 310 for the wirelessunit actually performs the telephone call redirection function for eachincoming telephone call by asking the ACRE platform 320 for routinginstructions. Alternatively, the ACRE platform 320 may enter theredirection instructions into an LNPP database or another networkelement configured to implement the redirection function.

FIG. 5 illustrates the operation of the ATF device 100 in connectionwith a roaming wireless unit 110. This alternative is similar to theapproach described with reference to FIG. 3, except that the roamingMTSO 510 (i.e., the MTSO with which the wireless unit 110 is attemptingto register for roaming service) relays the SMS forwarding message tothe home MTSO 310, which in turn relays the SMS forwarding message tothe ACRE platform 320. In this example, the forwarding directory number130 is the directory number of a wireline unit 550 nearby the roamingwireless unit 110. The home MTSO 310 sets a flag indicating that thehome MTSO 310 should consult the ACRE platform 320 (rather than theroaming MTSO 510) for routing instructions for subsequent incomingtelephone calls to the wireless unit 110. The ACRE platform 320 thenenters the directory number for the wireline unit 550 into the TLDNfield of subsequent route reply messages sent to the home MTSO 310.

Alternatively, the roaming MTSO 510 may be configured to recognize theSMS forwarding message and, in response, to enter the forwardingdirectory number 550 into the TLDN field of the route reply message. Ineither case, the directory number 550 ends up in the TLDN field of theroute reply message, and the home MTSO 310 is instructed to consult witha device (e.g., the ACRE 320 or the roaming MTSO 510) that is configuredto insert the forwarding directory number 130 into the TLDN field of theroute reply message. The home MTSO 310 then processes the route replymessage in the usual manner, as if the wireless device 110 is roaming.

FIGS. 6, 8 and 10 are logic flow diagrams illustrating the operation ofan illustrative embodiment of the invention. To facilitate thedescription of this embodiment, the element numerals shown in FIG. 3will also be referred to. In this example, the ATF device 100 is astand-alone, unpowered device with a touch-pin connector positioned tocontact a touch-pin connector on the wireless unit 110 when the wirelessunit is received in a socked defined by the ATF device 100. Also in thisexample, it is assumed that the wireless unit 110 is located in theservice area of its home MTSO 310, and that the ATF device 100 causesthe wireless unit 110 to transmit SMS forwarding messages addressed tothe ACRE platform 320, which implements the forwarding feature byemulating a VLR. From this example, those skilled in the art willunderstand the modifications required to implement the other alternativeembodiments of the invention described above.

FIG. 6 is logic flow diagram illustrating a routine 600 implemented bythe wireless device 110 when programming the ATF device 100 with theforwarding directory number 130. In step 610, the user selects apredefined menu option, such as a “PROGRAM SMART BASE” menu option, onthe wireless device 110. Step 610 is followed by step 620, in which theuser enters the forwarding directory number 130 using keystrokes orvoice commands recognized by the wireless device 110. Step 620 isfollowed by step 630, in which the user enters a save command, forinstance by depressing an “enter” key on the wireless device 110.

Step 630 is followed by step 640, in which the user places the wirelessdevice 110 in the socket 112 of the ATF device 100, and the wirelessdevice 110 detects that it has been placed in the socket 112 of the ATFdevice 100. Specifically, the wireless device 110 typically detects thatthe data pin of the contact 210 on the wireless unit 110 has come incontact with the data pin of the contact 220 on the ATF device 100 bysensing a drop in the voltage of the data pin of the contact 210 thatoccurs when that pin contacts the data pin of the contact 220. Step 640is followed by step 650, in which, upon detecting the functional contactbetween the data contacts 210, 220, the wireless device 110 downloadsthe forwarding directory number 130 to the ATF device 100. Step 650 isfollowed by the “END” step 660, which concludes routine 600.

FIG. 7 is logic flow diagram illustrating a routine 700 implemented bythe ATF device 100 to automatically forwarding telephone service for thewireless unit 110. Routine 700 begins in step 710, in which thesubscriber places the wireless unit 110 into the socket 112 of the ATFdevice 100. In this example, the ATF device 100 has been previouslyprogrammed with the forwarding directory number 130, as described abovewith reference to FIG. 6. Step 710 is followed by step 720, in which theATF device 100 monitors the status of the data pin of the touch-pincontact 220.

Specifically, no voltage on the data pin of the touch-pin contact 220 isconsidered a logic “0” indicating that a wireless unit 110 is notlocated in the socket 112 of the ATF device 100. Conversely, thepresence of voltage on the data pin of the touch-pin contact 220 isconsidered a logic “1” indicating that a wireless unit 110 is located inthe socket 112 of the ATF device 100. In other words, placing thewireless unit 110 in the socket 112 of the ATF device 100 places thedata pin of the touch-pin contact 220 on the ATF device in functionalcontact with the data pin of the touch-pin contact 210 on wireless unit110. This functional contact of the touch-pin contacts 210, 220 suppliesvoltage to the touch-pin contact 220 on the ATF device 100, which theATF device detects as a logic “1.” The ATF device 100 interprets thistransition to this logic “1” state as a triggering event causing the ATFdevice to automatically forward telephone service for the wireless unit110.

This triggering event is represented by step 730, in which the ATFdevice 100 determines whether the data pin of the touch-pin contact 210has transitioned to logic “1” state. If the data pin of the touch-pincontact 210 has not transitioned to logic “1” state, the “NO” branchloops back to step 720, in which the ATF device 100 continues to monitorthe status of the data pin. If the data pin of the touch-pin contact 210has transitioned to logic “1” state, the “YES” branch is followed tostep 740, in which the ATF device 100 sends a predefined read command tothe wireless unit 110. The purpose of this read command is to obtain thedevice directory number for the wireless unit 110, which can be readfrom a memory device internal to the wireless unit 110.

Step 740 is followed by step 750, in which the ATF device 100 determineswhether the wireless unit 110 responds to the read command. If thewireless unit 110 responds to the read command, the “YES” branch isfollowed to step 810, which is shown on FIG. 8. If the wireless unit 110does not respond to the read command, the “NO” branch is followed tostep 760, in which the ATF device 100 increments a counter, which has aninitial value of zero. Step 760 is followed by step 770, in which theATF device 100 determines whether the value of the counter is equal to apredetermined threshold value “N.” If the value of the counter is notequal to the predetermined threshold value “N,” the “NO” branch isfollowed to step 740, in which the ATF device 100 sends another readcommand to the wireless unit 110. If the value of the counter is equalto the predetermined threshold value “N,” the “YES” branch is followedto the “END” step 780, which ends routine 700. Thus, the ATF device 100will make up to “N” attempts to read a device directory number from thewireless unit 110. The multiple read commands give the wireless unit 110an opportunity to power on in response to the first read command, ifnecessary.

FIG. 8 is a continuation of routine 700 illustrated in FIG. 7. Referringagain to step 750, if the wireless unit 100 responds to the readcommand, the “YES” branch is followed to step 810, the wireless unit 100supplies the ATF device 100 with the device directory number for thewireless unit 110. Stated differently, the ATF device 100 reads thedevice directory number for the wireless unit 100. Step 810 is followedby step 820, in which the ATF device 100 reads the forwarding directorynumber from its internal memory. Step 820 is followed by step 830, inwhich the ATF device 100 constructs an SMS forwarding message includingthe device directory number, the forwarding directory number, and aredirection instruction. This redirection instruction, which may be apredefined address or forwarding code included in the SMS forwardingmessage, is addressed to the ACRE platform 320 in a manner recognizableby the home MTSO 310.

Step 830 is followed by step 840, in which the ATF device 100 instructsthe wireless unit 110 to transmit the SMS forwarding message to the hostMTSO 310, which relays the SMS forwarding message to the ACRE platform320. Step 840 is followed by step 850, in which the ATF device 100resets the counter to zero. Step 850 is followed by step 860, in whichthe ATF device 100 instructs the wireless unit 110 to power down. Step860 is followed by the “END” step 870, which concludes routine 700.Thus, the ATF device 100 automatically causes the wireless unit 110 totransmit the SMS forwarding message upon detecting that the data pin ofthe ATF device 100 has become in communication with the data pin of thewireless unit 110.

FIG. 9 illustrates a data structure 900 containing a scrollable table offorwarding directory numbers for an ATF device 100 incorporated into awireless telephone. To facilitate use of the automatic forwardingfeature of the wireless unit 110, the unit may be programmed toautomatically change the selected forwarding directory number inaccordance with a predetermined schedule. These automatically selectedforwarding directory numbers are made current or focused for immediateselection by pressing the “forward” button. In this manner, the wirelessunit 110 may be programmed to be “ready” with selected forwardingdirectory numbers based on the schedule programmed into the wirelessunit by the user.

More specifically, the functionality of the data structure 900 allowsthe subscriber to create a time and date-based forwarding profile fordetermining the selected forwarding directory number. For example, thesubscriber can program the ATF device 100 to maintain an office wirelinedirectory number as the selected forwarding directory number duringnormal working hours, and maintain a home wireline directory number asthe selected forwarding directory number during other hours. Thus, ifthe subscriber is following the usual schedule, he or she can simplypress the “forwarding” button to forward telephone service to theappropriate wireline directory number when arriving at a new location inaccordance with the schedule. Of course, if the subscriber is varyingfrom the usual schedule reflected in the programmed profile, he or shecan scroll through the list of forwarding directory numbers at any timeto select another forwarding directory number.

The data structure 900 includes database tables 910, 920, 930 and 940.Each table includes at least two columns that correspond with eachother. Table 910 includes a column 912 of forwarding directory numberoptions marked in sequence from “1” to “N” and a column 914 of indicesthat are also numbered in sequence from “1” to “N.” The indices ofcolumn 914 are associated with the forwarding numbers of column 912. Thesubscriber may scroll through the list of available forwarding numbers,which are sequentially displayed on the screen of the wireless unit 110.The user may also select any of the directory numbers as the desiredforwarding directory number.

Table 920 includes a column 922 of scheduling parameters and a column924 of indices numbered in sequence from “A” to “N.” The indices ofcolumn 924 are associated with the scheduling parameters of column 922.Table 930 includes a column 932 of scheduling parameters and a column934 of indices number in sequence from “AA” to “NN.” The indices ofcolumn 934 are associated with the scheduling parameters of column 932.In table 940, the indices of table 910 are associated with the indexesof tables 920 and 930. Table 940 includes a column 942 of indices “A” to“N” and “AA” to “NN” of columns 924 and 934, respectively. Associatedwith the indices of column 942 are the indices of column 944. Column 944includes the indices “1” to “N” of column 914.

The forwarding number options of table 910 are mapped to the schedulingparameters shown in tables 920 and 930 to permit the subscriber toprogram the wireless device to forward communications to differentnumbers at different times. For example, FIG. 9 shows a representativeexample of a forwarding telephone number “1” corresponding with ascheduling parameter of Monday through Friday from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Asecond forwarding telephone number “2” also corresponds with ascheduling parameter of Monday through Friday from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM.Those skilled in the art will appreciate that any of a wide variety offorwarding profiles may be implemented through the data structure 900.

FIG. 10 is logic flow diagram illustrating a routine 1000 implemented bya telephone network to support forwarding telephone services requestedby the ATF device 100. In this example, routine 1000 is performed by theACRE platform 320. In step 1010, the ACRE platform 320 receives the SMSforwarding message from the ATF device 100, in this example by way ofthe wireless unit 110 and the MTSO 310. Step 1010 is followed by step1020, in which the ACRE platform 320 waits for a predetermined durationbefore implementing the forwarding instruction. This duration should beat least as long as the interval that is required to power down after anSMS message is sent. This allows the wireless unit 110 to power downafter the ACRE platform 320 receives the SMS forwarding message toensure that the wireless unit 110 does not re-register and accidentallyunforward the service before powering down.

Step 1020 is followed by step 1030, in which the ACRE platform 320emulates a VLR by sending a registration to the home MTSO 310. Thisregistration appears to the home MTSO 310 as if the wireless unit 110 isattempting to register for roaming service with another MTSO. The homeMTSO 310 responds to any received route reply message by setting a flagin the HLR 340 record for the wireless unit 110 indicating that the ACREplatform 320 should be consulted to obtain routing instructions forsubsequent incoming telephone calls directed to the wireless unit 110.If the home MTSO 310 has received an incoming telephone call directed tothe wireless unit 110, this procedure is followed and the home MTSO 310routes the incoming telephone calls to the TLDN received from the ACREplatform 320, which is the forwarding directory number 130. Thus, thehome MTSO 310 subsequently transmits a route request message to the ACREplatform 320.

Step 1030 is followed by step 1040, in which the ACRE platform 320receives the route request message from the home MTSO 310. Subsequently,when a call comes in, step 1040 is followed by step 1050, in which theACRE platform 320 inserts the forwarding directory number 130 into theTLDN field of a route reply message. Step 1050 is followed by step 1060,in which the ACRE platform 320 transmits the route reply message to thehome MTSO 310. Step 1060 is followed by the “END” step 1080, whichconcludes routine 1000.

In view of the foregoing, it will be appreciated that the inventionprovides an improved device for automatically forwarding telephoneservice for a telephone device, such as a wireless unit. It should beunderstood that the foregoing relates only to exemplary embodiments ofthe present invention, and that numerous changes may be made thereinwithout departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as definedby the following claims.

1. An automatic telephone service forwarding device comprising: awireless telephone, further comprising: a memory adapted to store a listof potential forwarding directory numbers, wherein the memory stores thelist of forwarding directory numbers in a table indexing schedulingparameters in a scheduling parameter table, the scheduling parametersindicating days of the week and times of day for which a forwardingnumber is to be used; a display device adapted to display a selected oneof the potential forwarding directory numbers; and a forwarding buttonadapted to receive a command instructing the wireless telephone toautomatically transmit a message instructing a telephone redirectiondevice to forward telephone calls placed to a device directory number tothe selected potential forwarding directory number in response to thescheduling parameters.
 2. The automatic telephone service forwardingdevice of claim 1, wherein: the wireless telephone is configured toreceive the potential forwarding directory number through keystrokes orvoice commands.
 3. The automatic telephone service forwarding device ofclaim 2, wherein: the wireless telephone is configured to automaticallyselect certain potential forwarding directory numbers in accordance witha predefined time-based profile.
 4. The automatic telephone serviceforwarding device of claim 3, wherein the predefined time-based profileincludes a directory number and an associated scheduling parameter. 5.The automatic telephone service forwarding device of claim 1, whereinthe wireless telephone is selected from a group consisting of: a pager,a personal digital assistant (PDA), a mobile computing device,home-based computing device, a messaging platform, an electronic maildevice, or a device associated with telephone communications.
 6. Theautomatic telephone service forwarding device of claim 1, wherein: thewireless telephone is configured to draw power from a socket.
 7. Theautomatic telephone service forwarding device of claim 1, wherein thesocket is either a base charging station for the wireless telephone or apower charging unit.
 8. The automatic telephone service forwardingdevice of claim 1, further comprising: a power source adapted to providepower to the automatic telephone service forwarding device.
 9. Anautomatic telephone service forwarding device comprising: a wirelesscommunications device, comprising: a memory adapted to store a list ofpotential forwarding directory numbers, wherein the memory stores thelist of forwarding directory numbers in a table indexing schedulingparameters in a scheduling parameter table, the scheduling parametersindicating days of the week and times of day for which a forwardingnumber is to be used; a display device adapted to display a selected oneof the potential forwarding directory numbers; and a user interfaceadapted to receive a command instructing the wireless communicationsdevice to automatically transmit a message instructing a telephoneredirection device to forward telephone calls placed to a devicedirectory number to the selected potential forwarding directory numberin response to the scheduling parameters.
 10. The automatic telephoneservice forwarding device of claim 9, wherein: the wirelesscommunications device is configured to receive the potential forwardingdirectory number through keystrokes or voice commands.
 11. The automatictelephone service forwarding device of claim 10, wherein: the wirelesscommunications device is configured to automatically select certainpotential forwarding directory numbers in accordance with a predefinedtime-based profile.
 12. The automatic telephone service forwardingdevice of claim 11, wherein the predefined time-based profile includes adirectory number and an associated scheduling parameter.
 13. Theautomatic telephone service forwarding device of claim 9, wherein thewireless communications device is selected from a group consisting of: awireless telephone, a pager, a personal digital assistant (PDA), amobile computing device, home-based computing device, a messagingplatform, an electronic mail device, and a device associated withtelephone communications.
 14. The automatic telephone service forwardingdevice of claim 9, wherein: the wireless communications device isconfigured to draw power from a socket.
 15. The automatic telephoneservice forwarding device of claim 14, wherein the socket is either abase charging station for the wireless communications device or a powercharging unit.
 16. The automatic telephone service forwarding device ofclaim 9, further comprising: a power source adapted to provide power tothe automatic telephone service forwarding device.
 17. The automatictelephone service forwarding device of claim 9, wherein the userinterface is further adapted to receive potential forwarding directorynumbers from a user.
 18. The automatic telephone service forwardingdevice of claim 9, further comprising: a data port adapted to receivepotential forwarding directory numbers.
 19. The automatic telephoneservice forwarding device for a wireless communications device,comprising: a memory adapted to store a list of potential forwardingdirectory numbers, wherein the memory stores the list of forwardingdirectory numbers in a table indexing scheduling parameters in ascheduling parameter table, the scheduling parameters indicating days ofthe week and times of day for which a forwarding number is to be used; auser interface adapted to receive a selection of at least one forwardingdirectory number from a user; a display adapted to display at least oneselected forwarding directory number, and a communications interfaceadapted to send a message to a telephone redirection device with atleast one selected forwarding directory number for the wirelesscommunications device in response to the scheduling parameters.
 20. Theautomatic telephone service forwarding device of claim 19, furthercomprising: a power source adapted to power the memory, user interface,display, and data interface.
 21. The automatic telephone serviceforwarding device of claim 19, wherein the user interface is selectedfrom a group consisting of: voice recognition equipment, a keypad, and atouch screen.
 22. The automatic telephone service forwarding device ofclaim 19, wherein the communications interface is selected from a groupconsisting of: a short messaging service circuit, a short messagingcircuit of an IS-136 TDMA digital telephone, a modem, a telephonedevice, and a wireless communications device.
 23. The automatictelephone service forwarding device of claim 19, wherein the wirelesscommunications device is selected from a group consisting of: a wirelesstelephone, a pager, a personal digital assistant (PDA), a mobilecomputing device, home-based computing device, a messaging platform, anelectronic mail device, and a device associated with telephonecommunications.